New Coincident Frankenstein 300B Stereo Version

@charles1dad 

Between the two, I have a strong preference for the Frankensteins. I use the Franks 99.9% of the time, but it is fun to switch in another amp every once in awhile.

@sim_audio_nerd 

I own Coincident SVII speakers and still own the Frankenstein monos.  However, I found that the Franks just didn't really have the guts to do justice to the SV's.  My room is about 14' x 20' x 8' and I do listen to a fair amount of orchestral music.  In contrast to the experience of others above, I found the Atma-sphere M-60's to be a much better match for this speaker than the Frankensteins in my room with my music.   My M-60's have the V-Cap upgrade, the M-1 power supply, and have enjoyed the benefit of careful 6SN7 tube selection.  Also relevant is my use of the Coincident CSL with Psvane WE replica 101Ds.  The later coupled with the Atma-sphere amp provides a very nice measure of SET magic in my system without the downside associated with driving low efficiency (yes, 92 dB for an SET amp is low efficiency) speakers. 

As I said, I still own the Franks and on very rare occasions rotate them into the system for a day or two, but they don't stay longer than that.  If I were using speakers having an efficiency in the mid to high 90's, it might be a tougher choice.  The Franks really are wonderful amps when equipped with top notch tubes.

I have no experience with Pass amps and won't speculate on how they might compare with the Franks in your set up.  But I will say that if you are buying a new amp for your speakers, I just don't think that the Franks will be the best choice.  

I have found my SVII's to be wonderful speakers, but their performance is perhaps more system dependent than some other speakers.   The SVIII's appear to be a very similar design using better or newer crossover and drivers. 

Good input by brownsfan. His personal experience is very valuable to the OP’s concerns. Regarding my Atma-Sphere amps, they are an older, non-upgraded version, so it should be no surprise that brownsfan has had a much more positive experience with them than me. I am at a crossroads with the M-60’s as it would cost a few thousand to upgrade it to get sound which might or might not end up being comparable to the Frankensteins in my system with my 99db speakers. Don’t mean to derail the thread, sorry.

@thaluza

Don’t mean to derail the thread, sorry.

Not a chance. This is what these open forums are supposed to provide, different members sharing their varied experiences. This is why I asked the OP about room/music volume and genres as they all matter. I even mentioned the Atma-Sphere M 60 as an alternative yesterday as I’m aware of @brownsfan’s situation. There’s an Audiogon member with the Coincident PRE speakers (Pure Reference Extremes)  who preferred the Franks to the M 60, it always depends on variables. But again, different room/ears/taste/music genre etc. The SV III with crossover and driver changes may or may not be an easier load to drive. Surely horses for courses.

Charles

@brownsfan @charles1dad

And everyone else. Thanks for taking the time to respond and offer your valuable thoughts.

I was worried about 92.5db/8ohm efficiency of the SVIIIs. I do listen around 70-80 db volume levels but once in a while like to crank her up!

I am very much intrigued about the Franks, specially the stereo version.

If Israel would have allowed me to try it out, maybe I would be bought it (he lives in the same city as me). But looks like that is not possible according to him.

I am intrigued but do not want to buy the amp without hearing as if it doesn’t work out, ill be stuck with it.

It’s really a shame, if there was a chance to audition or try it out in my system I would have bought it.

Thanks again everyone for sharing your thoughts.

To think of it this way, if I do change my speakers in the future, the Pass XA30.8 can still drive any reasonable efficient speakers. The Franks won’t.